goserelin (implant)
What is the most important information I should know about goserelin?
Unless you are being treated for advanced breast cancer, you should not use a goserelin implant during pregnancy.
What is goserelin?
Goserelin implant is used to treat symptoms of prostate cancer in men.
Goserelin implant is used in women to treat breast cancer or endometriosis. Goserelin is also used in women to prepare the lining of the uterus for endometrial ablation (a surgery to correct abnormal uterine bleeding).
Goserelin is sometimes used in combination with another cancer drug called flutamide.
Goserelin implant may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving goserelin?
You should not be treated with this implant if you are allergic to goserelin, or to similar hormone medications such as histrelin, leuprolide, nafarelin, or ganirelix.
This medicine can harm an unborn baby, but goserelin is sometimes used in pregnant women with advanced breast cancer. Unless you are being treated for advanced breast cancer, you should not use goserelin during pregnancy. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.
If you have not gone through menopause, you should use a nonhormonal form of birth control (condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, contraceptive sponge) to prevent pregnancy while the goserelin implant is in place.
Keep using birth control for at least 12 weeks after the implant was removed. Even though the goserelin implant can stop ovulation and menstrual periods, you could still become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- diabetes;
- heart problems, heart attack, or stroke;
- bone cancer;
- long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);
- low bone mineral density (osteoporosis); or
- abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor.
Goserelin can decrease bone mineral density, which may increase your risk of developing osteoporosis. This risk may be greater if you smoke, drink alcohol frequently, have a family history of osteoporosis, or use certain drugs such as seizure medicine or steroids. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk.
You should not breastfeed while the implant is in place.
How is goserelin given?
Goserelin is given in a tiny implant inserted through a needle into the skin of your stomach, once every 28 days. You will receive the implant in a clinic or doctor's office.
Your dosing schedule may be different if you are also receiving chemotherapy. Follow your doctor's instructions. It is very important to receive your goserelin injections on time each month.
You are not likely to be able to feel the implant through your skin, and it should not cause pain or discomfort. The implant will dissolve in your body over time.
While your hormone levels are adjusting, you may notice new or worsening symptoms of your condition during the first few weeks of treatment. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after several weeks.
If you are a premenopausal woman, you should stop having menstrual periods while the goserelin implant is in place. Call your doctor if you still have regular periods. Missing a dose can cause breakthrough bleeding. After you stop using goserelin, you should begin having regular periods within 12 weeks.
Your blood sugar may need to be checked while using goserelin, even if you are not diabetic.
Goserelin can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using goserelin.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment to receive your goserelin implant.
What happens if I overdose?
Since the goserelin implant contains a specific amount of the medicine, you are not likely to receive an overdose.
What should I avoid while receiving goserelin?
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase your risk of bone loss while you are being treated with goserelin.
Avoid smoking, which can increase your risk of bone loss, stroke, or heart problems.
What are the possible side effects of goserelin?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
When you start treatment with goserelin, your tumor symptoms may get worse for a short time. Worsening of a prostate tumor may increase pressure on your spinal cord or urinary tract. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as: back pain, painful or difficult urination, loss of movement in any part of your body, or loss of bowel or bladder control.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- pain, bruising, swelling, redness, oozing, or bleeding where the implant was injected;
- dizziness, trouble breathing, feeling light-headed (like you might pass out);
- high blood sugar --increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor;
- high calcium levels --confusion, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, increased thirst or urination, weight loss;
- heart attack symptoms --chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating; or
- signs of a blood clot --sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, chest pain, problems with vision or speech, pain or swelling in one leg.
Common side effects may include:
- hot flashes, sweating;
- painful urination;
- mood changes, increased or decreased interest in sex;
- changes in sexual function, fewer erections than normal;
- headache;
- swelling in your hands or feet;
- vaginal dryness, itching, or discharge;
- changes in breast size; or
- acne, mild skin rash or itching.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect goserelin?
Goserelin can cause a serious heart problem. Your risk may be higher if you also use certain other medicines for infections, asthma, heart problems, high blood pressure, depression, mental illness, cancer, malaria, or HIV.
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven).
Other drugs may affect goserelin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Where can I get more information?
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about goserelin implant.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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